“Nali? The Green-Span runner with the polite smile. Puts maps back where they belong, lights the lanterns on windy nights, and gets a little… strange when the bells sing.”

1) Timeline (beats you can place in shots)

0–5 — Bridge-child. Learns the bell patterns caravans use for safe crossings; plays “count the arches” on the ruined aqueduct called the Green Span.

6–8 — Mother’s map discipline (label, date, replace) + father’s quiet-bravery drills (breathe, step, speak plainly).

9 — Trader unwraps a mirror shard; the pack-bells chime → Nali’s shadow twitches, pupils slit, faint rune glows on bicep. Elders name it mirror-dusk—an old curse echo. Parents teach a four-count calm with the shard pressed to sternum.

10–12 — Apprentice notice-keeper. Pins route arrows, learns shrine catalog marks; discovers metal chimes pull at the curse.

13 — Lantern Oath. Flood night; she sprints the span, ferry-line over, guides travelers by green-glass lanterns. Warden braids shrine-banner thread into her scarf: “You keep the lights.”

14–18 — Becomes the market-to-shrine courier. Drafts “kind routes” (paths with water and shade). Befriends the town dog; learns to muffle bells.

19–20 — Quarry Incident. Glass-hunters steal the mirrored route-map. Hoist bells force near-full shift; she salvages the information (memorizes forks, rescues workers). Returns hoarse, eyes gold, routes safe.

Now (early 20s) — The Mirror-Dusk Runner. Background presence in markets, shrines, and bridge approaches; quietly keeps the world usable.

2) Core Motifs & Values

Maps are kindness. A good arrow saves hours.

Bravery is procedure. Breath, count, step, thank.

Curses are weather. Prepare, respect, continue.

Lights belong to everyone. Tends lanterns without being asked.